NYAccents: Fashion Design Career Blog

Time Management for Entreprenuers

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:09:00 +0000

Time management can be tricky while freelancing and working a business. As you can see, I have not posted in a while! I've found that making sure that I do at least one or two major tasks for my business each day continues the flow of operations and keeps me in track with my goals.

Now, I just have to allot time for new posts! There's so much information to share. I'll post again soon.

If you are working and running your own business as well, please share your experience of what works and what doesn't in managing your time.

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Handbag Fashion Exhibit

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

For handbag enthusiasts and designers, the Museum of Design in Atlanta currently has an exhibit entitled, "In the Bag". This exhibit describes the makings of handbags, the history and showcases handbags from leading designers.

This exhibit ends May 2, 2009 so catch it while you can.

Want to know more? Here's the link to MODA for the handbag fashion exhibit.

Enjoy!

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New Economy-Fashion Resume and Interview Tips

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:51:00 +0000

If you are looking for fashion related resume and interview tips in this new economy, 24 Seven, a major job placement agency for the fashion industry has just published this very in depth and detailed pamphlet titled, "Confessions of A Recruiter, Insider tips on what it takes to land a job". It gives resume writing tips, interview tips with ways to follow up, and tips on how to work with a recruiter at an agency. It's definitely worth the read.

Here's the link: fashion resume and interview tips

Check it out and let me know what you think!

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Oops!

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I haven't posted in a month. I knew that it was a while ago but, I did not realize that it has been this long. What have I been up to? Well juggling my business and freelancing in the fashion industry up until early February. My freelance job ended and I've been focusing on the business full-time. It's great because, the business has been good since December. I'm excited to be giving my 100% focus to my dream and goal. I love designing fashion accessories, costing my product, shipping to my customers and following up with them.

What happens when you put your full time and energy into a dream? I think, ultimate achievement and happiness. This is when you can be yourself all of the time and let your true talents shine. When I was freelancing I felt guilty about not putting enough time and energy into my business.

The snake necklace that I offer has been doing extremely well so now, I'm offering it in two sizes. I'm also excited because, I now offer it in black which is my favorite. I did not design this necklace but, I absolutely love it. You can also wear it as a bracelet. It's a fun piece to own.

I'll keep you posted on what's going on with New York Accents business wise this year and of course, I'll interview associates in the industry and post about other topics of interest regarding a design career.

Enjoy,
Kali

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Show Your Apparel Collection Next Month

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:19:00 +0000

This just in, DC Fashion Week has spots open for 3 more fashion designers for the 10th International Couture Collections Show on February 22, 2009.

Here's the link for more info and to apply. The original deadline was January 5th but, there are still spots open. If you have a line ready to show, click this link to sign up!

http://www.dcfashionweek.org

Enjoy!

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Dreams and Passion

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Hope that your new year is off to a spectacular start!

I'd like to share this video, as a reminder to live your passion. As artists, we're need to share our work with the world. Your work will touch those who you're supposed to connect with.

Tomorrow is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's. birthday. Talk about passion and determination, this man had it all. Hope that this song is a good reminder that we all have a role to play in this life and to never let go of your dream.

Enjoy Creating!
-Kali

Click link below to view video!

Sing! Celebrate!

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Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:45:00 +0000

May you reach all of your goals and desires this year. Challenges may arise but they are only opportunities to grow stronger and advance.

Enjoy!
Kali

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Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:58:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year!

Thank you for visiting my blog. I truly hope that you find the posts informative. I always welcome your comments or suggestions.

Enjoy,

-Kali

Try these Job Hunting Skills for a Competitive Edge

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Here are some job hunting tips that may set you apart from your competition!

Personalize Your Resume
1) Make sure your resume speaks to who you are. Is there room for creativity? Instead of having a static resume that's exactly as a template, add your personal touch as long as it's easy to read and professional.

Follow Up
2) Follow up on resume's and applications that you send out. If you can obtain the hiring manager's phone number, then call. A phone call adds a personal touch. Be pleasantly persistent. Following up can set you apart from those who do not. Don't wait for a company to call or email you back. In this competitive environment you want to do whatever it takes to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Consult Friends and Associates
3) Consult your network of friends and associates. Call or email your contacts at company's that you have worked at before to see if there are any openings that match your skills. If your contacts don't have any opportunities ask if they can refer you to their connections for resources.

Be Confident
4) Be confident in all of your communications especially in interviews. Have your pitch ready. Be able to list your strengths, know the value that you can bring the company.

Be honest about your skills. Typical questions that hiring managers ask are: What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you solve problems related to your particular job? What was a mistake you made and how did you solve it, what did you learn from it? Practice your pitch to friends or in front of a mirror.

Show that you know your industry's trends and current events by researching online. Review forums related to your industry from both the professional and the customer's view point to be in the know of what's really going on outside corporate walls.

Interview the interviewer. Ask thought out questions as this can catch your interviewer's attention and leave them with a lasting impression.

Follow Up Again
5) Be sure to get your interviewer's business card and follow up with a thank you note.

Good Luck!

Have any tips or suggestions for job hunting? Please share them by posting a comment.

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Arm Yourself with These Job Hunting Resources II

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Here's an update to the article that I published March 11, 2008 titled, "Arm Yourself with These Job Hunting Resources". As I am aware of more job placement agencies and resources, I will publish additional posts.

Websites
fashionjobs.com

clothingindustryjobs.com

Job Placement Agency in NYC
taylorhodson.com

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Here's to a Profitable Holiday Season!

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:24:00 +0000

We're well into the shopping season even though traditionally, it may seem a bit early. Some stores have been posting sales as early as last month. WWD.com has two articles today describing how department stores are trying to capture as many sales as possible this season with secret sales. Sounds enticing.

I hope that you are creative in your efforts and have been in touch with your customers. Hope that you have a strong selling season.

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Friday's Fab Fashion Quote On Working in Fashion Production

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:57:00 +0000

"When you're in production, you're responsible for the [company's] profit and loss, [garment] sample execution, where the collection is made and maintaining production delivery." - Mercedes Kerrison, Fashion Production Associate

Source: NYAccents: Fashion Design Career Blog, "Behind the Scenes, Fashion Production Revealed" November 1, 2008

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Happy Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:49:00 +0000

For some reason, I started thinking about this song this morning. It has nothing to do with fashion design careers but, who cares. It's a happy song that I wanted to share this Friday.

Enjoy and Happy Friday!

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Behind the Scenes: Fashion Production Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:27:00 +0000

While I was away from the blogging world, I caught up with a friend who works in fashion production, Mercedes Kerrison. It was the perfect opportunity to ask for an interview. The production side of fashion is an amazing world of costing, working with vendors, agents and, in house staff of designers, merchandisers and technical designers to make sure that the product that design envisions is executed to meet quality and fit standards and most importantly, you guessed it, the company's margin goals.

Mercedes is a young professional who is taking New York City by storm. She's helping companies meet their margin goals with her expertise in fashion production. She knows the business side of fashion and what it takes to succeed in this part of the industry.

Have you been wondering about the many possible careers in fashion? Enjoy this interview as Mercedes gives her insights as a fashion production associate.

Kali: Mercedes, how did you first become interested in fashion?

Mercedes: I remember wanting to pursue fashion during my senior year in high school. As a teenager growing up in the 90's, I loved hip hop fashion. I have always been interested in the latest fashions as well as just loving to shop overall.

Kali: Did you have a fashion major in college?

Mercedes: I have a Bachelors degree in Fabric Styling as well as a Masters degree in Fashion Merchandising.

 Kali: What led you to choose to work in the production side of fashion?

Mercedes: Actually, production is a sector of the industry that had just fallen into my lap. However, I had always known that I had wanted to pursue a career that centered more around product development along with the challenge of making strategic decisions in which production entails.

Kali:  Mercedes has worked for companies such as Russell Newman/Will Creek Sleepwear Division, Spiegel Brands, Inc. and is currently at Calvin Klein.
 
Kali: Mercedes, tell us about your role as a fashion production associate. What is it exactly that you do? What are your daily tasks from when you start in the mornings to the time that you leave?

Mercedes: As a production associate, I interface with all in-house departments (merchandising, buyers, technical design and designers) to ensure that all product is being developed in the right place (i.e. country of origin), at the right cost and most importantly is being delivered on time to the warehouse. Daily tasks include working with overseas offices by approving fabric for bulk production. I attend fittings and work closely with technical design to ensure all samples are fitted in a timely manner to meet garment production delivery dates. I also attend fittings to make sure that any changes made in the fit session does not impact production delivery or increase costs to where our margins are not met.

As a production associate, I am also responsible for new seasonal developments, working on costing to determine whether all pricing is competitive to meet buyers current target margin.

Kali: Mercedes, your job seems pretty involved. What hours do you work as a fashion production associate?

Mercedes: Hours as a production associate fluctuate often. However, this is not a 9-5 job. During a busy period I am leaving work anytime between 8:30pm-10:00pm on a daily basis. When there is a slow period (which doesn’t happen often!) I will leave around 6:30pm or 7:00pm.
 
Kali: How important is the role of the production associate in the fashion design process?

 Mercedes: Production/Sourcing is very important within a company overall because we are primarily responsible for making sure that the company does not lose any money. We are responsible for making sure that any fabric or trims that are being developed are affordable for our target customer. It is imperative that a production associate is aware of current events around the world because this affects where we will develop our product as well as determining how cost will be affected.

Kali: Mercedes, do you have any advice for those considering working in fashion production? What's the best way for someone to enter this field?

Mercedes: The best way for someone to enter this field is to pursue product development. There are a lot of companies that are always looking for production associates; therefore, it is not a hard segment to break into. You can also check the classifieds in WWD and also network. Join professional organizations like Fashion Group International.

Kali: Mercedes, what last words can you leave our readers with regarding working as a fashion production associate?

Mercedes: In order to become involved in production, one must have dedication and motivation because it is a very stressful job. It’s stressful because you are basically in charge of making sure that all departments are giving you all of the information needed to maintain on-time delivery of the product to the stores. You're holding the entire company together. As a person who works in production, you must be extremely detail oriented as you will be working on many different projects all at once. It’s also good to build strong working relationships with vendors because it will make the product development process a little easier to manage.

What I love about my job is trying to meet everyone's expectations. I see the business internally and externally. I have a big reputation to keep up!

---------------
Want to discuss further? Have any questions for Mercedes? Leave a comment here and she will be glad to respond.

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Taking A Break

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:35:00 +0000

Hey, Thanks for visiting! I hope that you enjoy the articles. I would love to know what you think. Feel free to leave comments in the articles or in the chat box.

I'll have more new posts starting next week. Make sure to sign up for the email list to get new posts immediately.

Enjoy!
Kali

Friday's Fab Fashion Quote On Starting in the Design Business

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:34:00 +0000

"When I was first getting started I couldn't afford fancy fabrics, so I bought plain cotton and dyed it. Later, as my business grew, I added silk and linen to my Holiday and Spring lines." -Claudia Robinson, Fashion Designer, Actress

Source: "Threads of Time Fabric of History", page 154

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Send a Survey and Build A Better Product

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:14:00 +0000

Designers, are you searching for ways to connect more with your prospects or looking for ways to build repeat customers. Cater your product to your customer by asking for their advice. Ask what do they like about your product or service and what do they not like. This can be done in a survey format. You personally may not agree with some of the answers because, after all you've designed this magnificent fashion product but, the truth can help you more than hurt you.

Get excited about building a better product based on what people actually really want. Don't worry, this will not hamper your creativity as a designer. In order to really connect and achieve more sales we really have to put the customer first and take their suggestions and comments to give them what they want.

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Friday's Fab Fashion Quote On Unexpected Fame

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:49:00 +0000

"I'm so blessed to be given this opportunity. One minute I am walking down the street in the Dominican Republic and the next minute I am coming to the U.S. for the first time and working with famous models like Liya Kebede and Chanel Iman and photographers like Steven Meisel and appearing in ads for a major company like Lancome. It's really unbelievable" -Arlenis Sosa, Model

Source: WWD Friday September 5, 2008 pg 14

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NY Fashion Week, The Frenzy of It All!

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:21:00 +0000

Why I Love the Fashion Industry

The scene today outside at Calvin Klein's fashion show.

I was leaving work today and right outside my building was an unexpected surprise. As you may know by now, I am an entreprenuer- fashion accessory designer and creator of www.newyorkaccents.com. I do however; freelance in the apparel industry, most recently in fashion production doing garment cost negotiating and sample tracking with the factories. So, in this particular assignment, I'm working in the same building as some of the Calvin Klein offices. I took the elevator down to the lobby as normal to find paparazzi right in front of me ready to shoot. Oh well, I guess that I disappointed them because, I'm not famous. What's going on I thought? What did I just walk into? Oh! Someone told me it's Calvin Klein's fashion show. It is NY Fashion Week after all. How convenient! I kind of got caught up in the frenzy and excitement of star gazing. The paparazzi's wandering eyes and constant buzz influenced me so, I broke out my digital and played the game.

Why do I love this industry? I know the work that goes on behind the scenes in creating, developing and costing a garment. I appreciate the process of taking a sketch which starts from an inspiration and then communicating this idea to the producing offices, who are located offshore in countries like Asia, India and Brazil among others. The back and forth communication between the offices can be tiring but, it has to be done in order to get the sample in of what the design team and the merchandisers desire. It has to be priced to meet the company's margin goals and it has to be fitted on a model so that it can be graded for production. It's a very dynamic process with many eyes looking at one garment and many hands touching a garment before it is approved to show during market week or in this case, fashion week!

The market week presentation is the result of tons of behind the scenes preparations in order to show (sell), your collection (idea) to buyers and to create industry buzz. I truly love and appreciate this entire process.

Here are some shots that I took. Now remember, I'm not a professional photographer. These are what I call real street shots. Who did I see? Just a few very big fashion icons and celebrities like Anna Wintour, Tyra Banks, Andre Talley, Eva Mendes, Constance White, and a Japanese movie star among other people whom I don't know their names.

Here's the scene in front of my building with people looking out of their office windows.

Someone famous. Do you know who she is?

Constance White, ebay's style director.

A Japanese movie star

Eva Mendes

Someone else famous. Who is she?

The excitement was so enticing!

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Why Feel Great About FREE Give Aways?

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:41:00 +0000

Giving away your fashion product or fashion service is a great way to gain immediate feedback, get referrals and win new customers. If your product or service is desirable, people will definitely want to respond. I love the actual feeling of giving away a t-shirt, bangle, or most recently fine art from the Le Grande Parterre Collection (French Gardens and Abstract Art). It makes me feel that I have something worthy to give. I place a high value on my product and towards the people that I am connecting with. I feel as though they deserve a free gift as a way of stopping by my website and browsing or making a purchase.

You can give away your product or service randomly or offer a limited time free trial. Imagine the joy and unexpected surprise that you give to someone by telling them that they've just been randomly selected to win your product or service. For me, the entire process of emailing the winner, letting them choose the item that they want from the featured category and shipping it to them feels really good. It says that I do have room to spare, to share my product.

To get feedback ask for a direct comment or suggestion or you can create a very short survey. If, the feedback is not as good as you expected, that's great because, then you get to improve your product or service. Really listen to what they have to say and implement it in another version. Test this new version and see if it sells better than your original.

It's all about connecting with the customer and prospect and having them feel comfortable and trusting of you and your product or service.

Go ahead! Brighten someone's day today by sharing your fashion product or service.

Do you already give FREE give-aways? Share what product or service you offer for free and how it is working with you.

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Friday's Fab Fashion Quote: On Becoming Christian Dior's Successor

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:30:00 +0000

"I was so nervous, but it was also exhilarating. I was young, carefree and convinced I would succeed." -Yves Saint Laurent

Source: WWD 2002, "Twilight of a Star"

Enjoy Working Two Jobs! Insights on Managing A Business and A 9-5

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:10:00 +0000

Working a full-time or part-time job while running your business can be a challenge but, it's well worth it. I'm writing this post from personal experience. I've just started a freelance job doing fashion production work and if you've read my other post titled, "Notes from the Sales Floor", you'll see that occasionally, I'll work outside of my business.

I agree with designer, Lara Shandi. In her interview that I posted titled "Behind the Scenes with L~Shandi", Lara works a full-time job and runs her fashion design business. She enjoys both jobs very much and I must that I'm in the same position. I love my fashion production job and my accessories business.

Here are a few insights that I would like to share regarding working a 9-5 and running your business. Some may seem obvious but, I'm going to list them anyway.

Job Insights:
* Never use your 9-5 job's resources like paper, office phone...etc to run your business.
* Take care of your business emails and phone calls through your own mobile device on your lunch break.
* Be on time to your job. Don't stay up too late working on your business that you oversleep and arrive late to your 9-5.
* The more you push yourself to complete tasks, keep calendar dates, be a team player and simply work you 9-5 100%, the more you will learn and be able to apply to your own business. Try not to think of it as a job just for a paycheck. The experience that you gain is equally important even if your job is not related to fashion at all. Lara of L~Shandi is a HIV researcher, totally not related to fashion. But, I am sure that she has learned skills from her day job that she's able to use in her business.
* Freelancing is great because, you get to work for different clients. You can go through an agency or contract work out on your own.

Your Business Insights:
* Make sure to plan your week as now that you are working another job, you want to make sure that your business is still running and things are not getting left undone.
* Now that your week is planned make sure that your daily goals are attainable and that you are getting enough rest to work both jobs. It's better to do 2-3 tasks (small amounts) on your business daily than to trying to overdo it. You don't want to burn out.
* Can you afford to hire someone to assist you while you're working your 9-5? I did an article on the idea of having virtual assistants to assist you with your business, titled "Is Being A Do-It Yourselfer Holding You Back From Blossoming".

I think that if you want to brush up in a particular area of your business, then working for someone else in that area is a great way to learn the ropes. Just remember the insights above and you'll be fine. It's definitely a challenge but, a good one that you will learn and grow from.

Are you working a 9-5 and running your business? Please share your experiences and insights!

Fashion Design Business Networking

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:37:00 +0000

Nolcha Fashion Network is a wonderful organization for designers to join. They highly promote fashion design business networking within all aspects of the industry from designers to manufacturers to stylists. I listed them in my post regarding "Upcoming Runway Fashion Week Dates". I joined this organization about a year ago and besides from being able to attend and participate in fashion shows during fashion week, you can take advantage of their social network site.

Their website has up to date fashion business and industry news headlines, current events and fashion related competition postings. They also have a fashion designer magazine, Metier, that keeps you updated with full articles that covers a wide variety of topics relating to fashion designers. The magazine also has a marketing and pr section with tips for budding designers.

Visit the Nolcha Fashion Network, check out their magazine, Metier and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Trying to Catch a Show at the Tent During Fashion Week?

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:38:00 +0000

If you can't make it in to see a top designer's show at the tent in Bryant Park in NYC next month during fashion week, all is not lost. I came across a show that you just might be interested in seeing.

It's the Academy of Art University in San Francisco's fashion design students. The academy claims to be the only school to show during fashion week at the tent. If you're in the area you might want to check this out. It's a free fashion show!

When:
Friday, September 5, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Where:
Bryant Park
The Tent
6th Ave. (at 41st St.)
New York City, NY

Here's the link to RSVP. Click here to RSVP

Enjoy!

Friday's Fab Fashion Quote On Leaving a Legacy

noreply@blogger.com (KaliNYAccents) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:38:00 +0000

"I'd like my legacy to be a library of beautifully detailed gowns. When one looks back at all the celebrities I've dressed, [I'd like people] to say that these were certainly some of the most beautifully dressed women of their day." Kevan Hall

Source: Ebony Magazine, September 2007, Style Hall of Fame